The Fun Times Guide > U.S. Coins > Hobbies & Crafts > Fun With Coins >

Error Pennies Are Fun & Challenging To Collect

error-pennies-public-domain.jpg Collecting error pennies can be a fun and exciting challenge for those who like the thrill of finding unusual coins that stand out from the crowd.

Error pennies include a broad range of different coin mistakes, including:

Error pennies can range in value from only a few dollars to the $1000s!

Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

My love for coins and numismatics began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I've also been studying meteorology and watching weather patterns for years. I enjoy sharing little-known facts and fun stuff about coins, weather, travel, health, and living green with others.

More Posts

Find me here:
Google Plus

Filed Under: Fun With Coins, Hobbies & Crafts Tagged With: ,
  • Lorraine

    Penny with numbers on either side. R side 899 & 887
    L side 555 & 666. looks like ingraved nos. not protruding like the others.

    I’ve had the coin for 25 yrs, decided to find out if it’s been altered by someone.
    Lorraine

    • Anonymous

      Yes, Lorraine. Your coin has been altered by somebody. Usually, such pieces are important only as novelty coins and have reduced value as compared to similar coins without the markings.

      However, if your penny is quite old (such as, say, a century old) and it can be determined by a specialist in the exonumia field that the markings date back to a company advertisement or museum markings, then such coins actually have value BECAUSE of those markings!

      Again, though — that only applies to really old coins with historical or significant markings. Otherwise, such pieces are really worth only nominal (if any) values.

  • Darcy D

    I have a wheat penny from 1917 that looks like it is a clipped planchet. Can you tell me if it is and if so what it is worth? I don’t know anyone else to ask! :)

    Thanks! 

    • JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      Hello, Darcy -

      Based on how much of the penny has been clipped, it could be worth anywhere from about $5 up to $20 or more.

  • http://twitter.com/UncleArty1 Uncle Arty

    I have a 1909 lincoln penny it looks silver and has the liberty torch on the flip side

    • JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide

      Hi, Uncle Arty -

      You have a type of novelty coin that should have a value of a dollar or two.